Why Heart Hugger

Beyond Physical Support

Heart Hugger is excellent for relieving patient pain, particularly when they need to cough, sneeze, or do other activities that require excess movement. The physical support helps stabilize the wound for physical pain relief instantly. But Heart Hugger provides so much more than physical support.

Getting Their Feet Back Under Them

After surgery, patient's lungs need to expand and expel the excess vapor that collected in the lungs while they were being ventilated. That’s why respiratory therapy and coughing are so important to patient recovery. However, coughing and breathing deeply after such a major surgery can be very painful and potentially harmful to the new wound.

The Locus of Control Theory supports the idea that when patients are involved in their own recovery, their healing is enhanced as they feel an increased level of control, confidence, and independence. By putting part of the pain control process in their hands--literally-- patients are more focused and more comfortable.

Decreasing Future Complications

After a major chest surgery, Heart Hugger helps defend against a multitude of potential complications. Heart Hugger aims to help return the patient to pre-op respiratory levels and stabilize the wound. Meeting these goals helps avoid wound complications including:

Dehiscence

Mediastinitis

Atelectasis

Pneumonia

Amazing Results at the Tips of Their Fingers

Not only are the results of Heart Hugger incredibly important, but the device itself is simple to use. A nurse or loved one can easily help the patient adjust the straps so it’s comfortable, and a simple squeeze of the hand is all it takes to engage Heart Hugger and reduce pain. Heart Hugger is worn over clothing and made of soft straps for comfort and easy adjustment.

"I am impressed that as I have followed up my patients in the office, they have continued to comment that the Heart Hugger appliance made their convalescences much easier at home, and that they have continued to use it beyond hospitalization."

Michael F Teodori, M.D.

Pediatric & Adult Cardiovascular Surgery,

"I strongly believe that the support harness has played the major role in preventing sternal wound separation."

David G. Eilertson, M.D.

Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery,

"I greatly appreciated Heart Hugger during my recovery period after my own open heart surgery. I found it made me feel a lot more comfortable."

Vernon Stafford, M.D.

"I have used the support harness in over 100 consecutive open heart surgical patients during the last two years. I clearly am in favor of using Heart Hugger on a routine basis."

Ravi Koopot, M.D.

Cardiovascular Surgery,

"Heart Hugger helps my patients get well faster by giving them the confidence to cough, knowing they will not suffer from doing so."

J. Marvin Smith, M.D.

Cardiovascular Surgeon,

"...Since the patient can wear the harness it has the advantage of being available when the need arises, for the instance, during therapy, or when the patient wakes up at night."

Peg Meisler

Physical Therapist,

"I recommend and prescribe it for all my open heart patients. They testify that their recoveries have been much quicker while using Heart Hugger compared to prior surgeries when the device was not available."

S. Vathayanon, M.D.

Cardiac, Vascular & Thoracic Surgery,

"Over half our patients are released by the fifth post-operative day and many by the fourth post-operative day. I believe this is due in a large part to the fact that we have a device available which allows the patient to continue aggressive coughing and deep breathing at home, with much less discomfort."

David G. Ellertson, M.D.

Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery,

"It gave me more confidence to do things on my own. I should've bought it sooner."

Laura P.

"They were impressed when I showed them how it worked and how I did not feel the pain when doing breathing exercises."